The Prime Minister, speaking late on the same night in
the House, described the interference of the railwaymen's executive as exceedingly rash, indiscreet and precipitate. He had been engaged with some of the miners' leaders for two days and was making favourable progress, but the railwaymen's action had embarrassed both parties to the negotiations, by encouraging the irresponsible sections whom the leaders found it hard to restrain. The Government were trying to find a peaceable solution, but it would be easier if the miners were not interfered with. Mr. Thomas, whose desire to bo all things to all men had caused him to lose control of his executive for the time being, begged the Prime Minister to go on with the negotiations, without regard to the railwaymen's threats, of which he disapproved.
